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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Innovation Lean Startup |  Product Discovery Assumption Mapping |  Growth A/B Testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | Soft Systems Methodology helps explore unclear or politically charged problems systematically. Instead of forcing a quick answer, the method builds a shared understanding of perspectives and room for action. | For uncertain business assumptions, the method forces the idea into contact with real market reactions early. It separates wishful picture, assumption, and observable behavior, so that learning becomes faster than planning. This translates uncertainty into measurable insight. | When assumptions still sit unordered in the room, it weighs uncertainty against leverage. It makes visible which hypotheses should be checked first. | When two variants compete, discussions quickly decide by taste rather than effect. A/B Testing checks behavior under controlled conditions and separates real improvement from chance or expectation effects. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Medium | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | Wochen bis Monate je Lernzyklus | 45-60 min | 1-4 Wochen |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 2-8 | 2-8 | 1-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Async |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Hypothesis list, MVPs, Learning reports, Pivot or persevere decision | Assumption map, Test backlog, Risk ranking | Experiment results, Decision log, Learning summary |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | LeanStartupValidationMVP | AssumptionsRiskExperimentsValidation | ExperimentsGrowthAnalyticsValidation |